RESUMO
Overall exposure to alkanolamines in metal-working fluids (MWFs) in machine shops was studied by determining alkanolamines in air samples and in rinse-off samples from the hands of machinists. Methods for collecting airborne alkanolamines and alkanolamines absorbed to the skin of the hands were developed and tested. The exposure measurements were carried out in nine machine shops. After a 2 h working period the dominant hand of 37 machinists was rinsed with 200 ml of 20% isopropanol for 1 min in a plastic bag. Personal air samples were also collected during the 2 h working period onto acid-treated glass fibre filters. The filter samples were desorbed with methanol and analysed by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS). The rinse-off samples were also analysed for alkanolamines by LC-MS. The median air concentration of monoethanolamine (EA) was 57 microg m-3, diethanolamine (DEA) 64 microg m-3 and triethanolamine (TEA) 6 microg m-3. The workers' overall exposure to alkanolamines was estimated by calculating the amount in inhaled air and the amount on the skin. The median amount of EA on the skin of the dominant hand was 9-43 times the median amount in inhaled air during 2 h exposure. The corresponding ratio for DEA was 100 and for TEA 170. According to this study the exposure to alkanolamines occurs mainly through the skin. EA was the only alkanolamine with a noticeable inhalation uptake compared to the skin uptake. Total exposure to MWFs may be reduced by reducing skin exposure. The hand rinsing method can be used to assess the efficiency of protective gloves.
Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Etanolaminas/análise , Metalurgia , Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Poluentes Ocupacionais do Ar/análise , Etanolamina/análise , Mãos , Humanos , Exposição por Inalação/análise , Pele/química , Local de TrabalhoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Information on the reproductive effects of chemical exposures in dental work is sparse or inconsistent. AIM: To investigate whether dental workers exposed to acrylate compounds, mercury amalgam, solvents or disinfectants are at an increased risk of miscarriage. METHODS: The study was conducted among women dental workers and a comparison group of workers occupationally unexposed to dental restorative materials. Information on pregnancies was obtained from national registers and outpatient units of hospitals. Data on occupational exposure were obtained using postal questionnaires. The final study population included 222 cases of miscarriage and 498 controls (births). An occupational hygienist assessed exposure to acrylate compounds, disinfectants and solvents. Exposure to other agents was assessed on the basis of the questionnaire data. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: The ORs adjusted for confounding factors were increased for moderate-exposure and high-exposure categories of mercury amalgam (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.1 and OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.6 to 2.5, respectively). The risk was slightly increased for the highest-exposure category of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.7 to 2.6) and polymethylmethacrylate dust (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.4). A slightly increased risk was also detected for likely exposure to organic solvents (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.3) and disinfectants (OR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9 to 2.7). CONCLUSIONS: No strong association or consistent dose-response relationship was observed between exposure to chemical agents in dental work and the risk of miscarriage. A slightly increased risk was found for exposure to mercury amalgam, some acrylate compounds, solvents and disinfectants. These findings indicate that the possibility of a weak association between exposure to these agents and an increased risk of miscarriage cannot be excluded.